Mumbai Police Register Abetment of Suicide Case Following Tragic Death of IIT Bombay Student

Mumbai: The Mumbai Police have initiated a formal investigation into the death of a second-year student at the Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) Bombay, registering a case of abetment of suicide. The legal action follows a complaint filed by the father of the deceased, Sahil Wakode, who was a student in the Department of Energy Science and Engineering.

The tragic incident occurred last Friday evening, shortly after the student was reportedly caught using a mobile phone to access ChatGPT during an examination. The case has sent shockwaves through the campus, prompting widespread protests among the student body.

Conflicting Accounts of Disciplinary Action

According to official statements provided by the institute, Sahil Wakode was identified using AI-based tools to answer questions during his exam. IIT Bombay administration stated that no punitive or disciplinary measures had been taken against the student at the time. Officials maintained that the student had been counselled by both his course instructor and the Head of the Department, who purportedly assured him that the incident would not jeopardize his academic standing or future career prospects.

However, the student’s family and protesting peers have challenged this narrative. Sahil’s mother has openly alleged that her son was subjected to intense harassment, asserting that his death was not a result of isolated circumstances but rather the outcome of severe pressure.

The student protest on the Powai campus highlighted a deep-seated distrust in the institution’s official version of events. Demonstrators claimed that there was a pervasive atmosphere of intimidation surrounding the incident. Specifically, students alleged that the deceased had been threatened with a one-year suspension—a penalty that would have forced him to vacate his hostel and seek housing off-campus, potentially creating a crisis of stability for the young scholar. While these claims regarding the nature of the disciplinary threat remain unverified, they have become a focal point for those demanding accountability from the administration.

Investigation Underway

The Mumbai Police have confirmed that the father’s complaint identifies several individuals, all of whom are now subject to a thorough investigation regarding their alleged roles in the tragic outcome. Authorities have refrained from disclosing specific names or further details, citing the sensitive and ongoing nature of the legal proceedings.

This tragedy marks the third student death by suicide at the prestigious IIT Powai campus within the last six months, raising urgent questions about the mental health support systems and the high-pressure environment within India’s premier engineering institutes.

In a brief statement released following the incident, IIT Bombay expressed deep sorrow over the loss of the student. “The Institute is extending support to the student’s friends, classmates, faculty members, and others affected by this tragic incident. The circumstances surrounding the death are being looked into by the appropriate authorities,” the statement read.

As the police continue to examine the evidence and interview staff members, the campus remains in a state of mourning, with student groups continuing to demand transparency and a comprehensive inquiry into the administrative handling of academic disputes.

Disclaimer: This content is auto-generated for informational purposes only.

Source: Read Original News